If you’re looking to get a closer view of wildlife, the stars, or a distant target, you know you need a quality optic. What are some good spotting scopes? The answer depends on your budget and how you plan to use it, but we can point you toward excellent models for every situation.
What Are Some Good Spotting Scopes
This guide breaks down the key features to consider and recommends specific models known for their performance and value. We’ll cover options for birders, hunters, target shooters, and casual observers.
Key Features to Consider Before You Buy
Not all scopes are created equal. Knowing these terms will help you make a smart choice.
- Magnification & Objective Lens: Numbers like 20-60×80 mean the scope zooms from 20 to 60 times magnification. The ’80’ is the objective lens diameter in millimeters. A larger lens gathers more light for a brighter image, but it also makes the scope bigger and heavier.
- Angled vs. Straight Body: Angled eyepieces (usually 45°) are easier for looking upward for long periods, like birding or astronomy, and allow for quicker sharing between users of different heights. Straight bodies are often prefered for target shooting or when looking from a vehicle, as they’re easier to aim quickly.
- Lens Quality & Coatings: This is where optical quality is made. Fully multi-coated lenses are best, reducing glare and increasing light transmission for a sharp, bright, and color-accurate veiw.
- Close Focus: The minimum distance at which the scope can focus. For butterfly or insect watching, a close focus of 10 feet or less is a huge advantage.
- Water & Fog Proofing: Nitrogen or argon purging seals the scope to prevent internal fogging. Rubber armoring provides a secure grip and protects against bumps.
Top Picks for Different Uses and Budgets
Here are some consistently well-regarded spotting scopes across several categories.
For the Budget-Conscious Beginner
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get started. These scopes offer solid performance without breaking the bank.
- Celestron Ultima 80: An 80mm straight scope offering great value. It’s a fantastic entry point for casual astronomy and general nature observation, providing bright images for its price.
- Vortex Optics Diamondback 20-60×85: Known for its exceptional Vortex VIP warranty, this scope punches above its weight class. The optics are sharp, and it’s available in both angled and straight versions, making it a versatile first serious scope.
For the Serious Birder and Wildlife Enthusiast
These models prioritize optical clarity, color fidelity, and durability for long days in the field.
- Kowa TSN-88 Prominar: A benchmark in birding circles. Its 88mm objective lens and fluorite crystal technology deliver stunningly bright, high-contrast images with exceptional resolution, even in low light.
- Swarovski ATS/STS 65 HD: The pinnacle of optical engineering for many. The image is breathtakingly sharp and bright. The modular design lets you choose between angled (ATS) or straight (STS) bodies and swap eyepieces, offering incredible flexibility.
- Nikon Monarch Fieldscope 82mm ED: A more affordable high-end option. Its Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass effectively reduces chromatic aberration, giving you a crisp, color-true image that competes with models costing much more.
For Target Shooting and Hunting
Durability, precise adjustments, and a straight body are often key here.
- Vortex Optics Razor HD 27-60×85: Built like a tank with outstanding glass. The focus wheel is precise for reading small targets at long distances. Its reputation among precision shooters is excellent.
- Leupold SX-4 Pro Guide HD 12-40×60: A more compact option that’s easy to pack into the field. Its Twilight Max HD Light Management System enhances contrast in challenging light, perfect for dawn or dusk hunting situations.
- Bushnell Trophy Xtreme 20-60×65: A very cost-effective choice for the range. It provides clear enough optics to see bullet holes on paper at 100 yards, which is the primary requirement for many shooters on a budget.
Essential Accessories You Might Need
A scope is just the core. These additions will improve your experience.
- A Sturdy Tripod: This is non-negotiable. A wobbly tripod ruins the view. Choose one rated to hold more than your scope’s weight for maximum stability, especially in wind.
- A Quality Eyepiece: Some scopes come with a zoom eyepiece, but fixed-wide-angle eyepieces (e.g., 30x or 40x) often provide a wider, brighter field of view which is more relaxing for prolonged observation.
- Smartphone Digiscoping Adapter: Lets you attach your phone to the eyepiece to take photos and videos through the scope. It’s a game-changer for sharing what you see.
- Lens Cleaning Kit: Use a soft brush and proper lens cloth. Never use household cleaners or wipe a dusty lens without brushing first, as you can scratch the coatings.
How to Choose the Right One for You: A Simple Checklist
Follow these steps to narrow down your options.
- Define Your Primary Use: Is it birding, hunting, shooting, or general travel? This dictates body style and needed features.
- Set a Realistic Budget: Include the cost of a good tripod and head in your total budget—they are that important.
- Decide on Size/Weight Limits: If you hike long distances, a compact 60-65mm scope may be worth the trade-off in light gathering versus a larger 80mm model.
- Try Before You Buy, If Possible: Look through different models in person. Compare the image sharpness to the edge of the view and color brightness. Your eyes will tell you what’s worth it.
- Check the Warranty: Companies like Vortex and Leupold offer outstanding, no-questions-asked warranties that provide great long-term peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a good spotting scope for beginners?
The Celestron Ultima or Vortex Diamondback series are fantastic starting points. They offer reliable performance and good optics at an accessible price, letting you learn what features you value most.
What’s better: angled or straight spotting scope?
Neither is universally better; it’s about your activity. Angled is generally preferred for birding and astronomy. Straight is often chosen for target shooting and hunting from a fixed position. Trying both is the best way to decide.
How much magnification do I really need?
For most terrestrial viewing, 20-60x is ample. Higher magnification amplifies heat haze and hand shake, often resulting in a worse image. A sharp, bright image at 40x is better than a fuzzy one at 80x. Stability from a tripod becomes critical at higher powers.
Can I use a spotting scope for astronomy?
Absolutely. A spotting scope is essentially a small refractor telescope. An 80mm or 85mm angled model on a steady tripod provides wonderful views of the moon, star clusters, and even brighter planets like Jupiter and Saturn.
What makes a spotting scope “HD” or “ED”?
These terms refer to the glass used. ED (Extra-low Dispersion) or HD (High Density) glass elements reduce an optical flaw called chromatic aberration (color fringing), especially on high-contrast edges. This results in a sharper, more color-pure image, which is well worth the investment for serious use.
Investing in a good spotting scope opens up a new world of detail in the distance. By focusing on your primary needs, understanding the key features, and pairing your scope with a solid tripod, you’ll be set for years of clear, rewarding observation. Take your time to compare, and you’ll find the perfect tool to bring the far-away near.